Creating a Gender-Affirming Environment for Patients

— Here are some important actions providers can put into practice

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Last Updated July 15, 2021
MedicalToday
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    Creating a gender-affirming environment is critical to patient care.
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    Introduce yourself with your pronouns and ask for your patient’s

    It is important to avoid using the word “preferred” when referring to pronouns or name. An individual’s pronouns are what they are. “Preferred” suggests there is an acceptable (although less desirable) alternative. This is not the case. The only acceptable pronouns are the ones the person states that they use.

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    Be respectful: Ask the patient how they want to be addressed

    Not all people go by their birth name. Many people desire a legal name change but haven’t been able to access it. Don’t assume someone uses the name on the chart. This can result in dead-naming. Always ask, “how do you want to be addressed?” or “what name do you go by?” Use their chosen name, not their birth name.

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    Display gender diverse imagery

    To make all patients feel welcome, display LGBTQ+ posters and show non-binary and gender diverse people. Consider wearing a pronoun pin or symbol of allyship. However, you should not wear a symbol of allyship if you lack the appropriate knowledge or education needed for safe patient interaction. This should not be performative.

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    Ensure new staff are educated prior to being in patient care areas

    Ignorance or lack of education does not justify inflicting harm. Learning in healthcare spaces is important but can’t come at the expense of patient dignity. If new staff are brought into a healthcare space they must be trained and briefed beforehand on gender-affirming principles and language.

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    Listen to your patients

    Mistakes will happen. Patients interact with many individuals in a healthcare setting besides the provider. You should take responsibility for a patient’s experiences and actively address feedback about other staff interactions and the patient experience. If you are a team leader it is your job to loop back with staff and address any issues.

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    Build relationships with the community

    Medicine has historically oppressed the LGBTQ+ community. Engaging with the community outside of the clinic is important. Conduct outreach work and connect with the community, get to know queer spaces in your area. Show authentic and real support for the LGBTQ+ community. This will facilitate trust in healthcare interactions.

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